The song Whiskey Before Breakfast is a popular fiddle tune in the bluegrass music tradition of the US. Its history is rooted in oral and folk traditions and has evolved over time. Below is tab for Whiskey Before Breakfast for the dulcimer, as well as lyrics to the song and history of the tune.
Whiskey Before Breakfast for the Dulcimer – Version 1
Whiskey Before Breakfast for the Dulcimer – Version 2
Lyrics for Whiskey Before Breakfast
Early one day the sun wouldn’t shine
I was walking down the street not feeling too fine
I saw two old men with a bottle between ’em
And this was the song that I heard them singing
Lord preserve us and protect us,
We’ve been drinking whiskey ‘fore breakfast
Well I stopped by the steps where they was sitting
And I couldn’t believe how drunk they were getting
I said “old men, have you been drinking long?”
They said “just long enough to be singing this song”
Lord preserve us and protect us,
We’ve been drinking whiskey ‘fore breakfast
Well they passed me the bottle and I took a little sip
And it felt so good I just couldn’t quit
I drank some more and next thing I knew
There were three of us sitting there singing this tune
Lord preserve us and protect us,
We’ve been drinking whiskey ‘fore breakfast
One by one everybody in the town
They heard our ruckus and they all came down
And pretty soon all the streets were ringing
With the sound of the whole town laughing and singing
Lord preserve us and protect us,
We’ve been drinking whiskey ‘fore breakfast
Lord preserve us and protect us,
We’ve been drinking whiskey ‘fore breakfast
Below is is a video from master musician Stephen Seifert where he plays Whiskey Before Breakfast on the mountain dulcimer. Please subscribe to his channel and like his video!
History of Whiskey Before Breakfast
The exact origins of the song Whiskey Before Breakfast are uncertain, but the tune is believed to have originated in the British Isles or Canada, brought over to North America by immigrants. Many traditional fiddle tunes have roots in Scottish, Irish, and English folk music.
The tune was first widely popularized in the mid-20th century through recordings and performances by folk and bluegrass musicians. It eventually became a standard in jam sessions and fiddle contests.
Norman Blake, a well-known American guitarist and mandolinist, played a role in bringing Whiskey Before Breakfast to a broader audience. His recording of the tune in the 1970s helped make it a staple in bluegrass and folk music circles.
We hope you enjoyed Whiskey Before Breakfast for the dulcimer. Check out our other popular dulcimer tabs, including Amazing Grace or You Are My Sunshine, or visit our list of almost 1,000 free dulcimer tabs!
